This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Vincit qui se vincit" is a Latin phrase meaning "He conquers who conquers himself." Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God. "
A screwball marriage experiment that scandalized the Legion of Decency
1. Plot Summary
Ann Winters (Rosalind Russell), a brilliant insurance statistician, has seen enough marital wreckage to convince herself that romance clouds judgment. So she proposes a radical idea to her fiancé, Tice Collins (Melvyn Douglas): three months of celibacy after the wedding — a “trial period” to test compatibility before consummation.
Tice is horrified, then persuaded by his lawyer friend to play along and charm her out of the idea. What follows is a cascade of comic set‑pieces:
A honeymoon suite with a chastity clause
A husband trying every trick in the book to break the embargo
A wife determined to prove her theory with scientific rigor
A supporting cast of meddling friends, jealous rivals, and domestic chaos
The film’s frankness about marital intimacy was bold enough that the Catholic Legion of Decency condemned it as “contrary to the Christian concept of marriage.”
2. Themes & Moral Texture (Catholic‑friendly framing)
A. The Limits of Control
Ann tries to engineer marriage like an actuarial table. The film gently exposes the folly of believing we can manage love through rules.
Catholic resonance: Love is covenant, not contract; gift, not guarantee.
B. The Mystery of the Other
Tice’s frustration highlights a truth: intimacy isn’t a problem to be solved but a person to be received.
Catholic resonance: Marriage is mutual self‑gift, not a negotiation of terms.
C. Fear vs. Trust
Ann’s fear of divorce drives her experiment. The comedy reveals how fear distorts discernment.
Catholic resonance: Perfect love casts out fear; trust is the soil of communion.
D. The Comedy of Human Weakness
The film’s screwball energy comes from watching two intelligent adults outsmart themselves.
Catholic resonance: Grace works through our imperfections, not around them.
Ephesus — Home of Mary & the Birthplace of Christian Community Theme: Dwelling With Mary, Listening to the Word, and Learning the Rhythm of Early Church Life
Ephesus is where Mary lived with St. John after the Resurrection. It is where the early Church learned how to love one another, how to forgive, how to endure persecution, and how to build a community rooted in Christ.
🗓️ Daily Itinerary & Symbolic Acts
Feb 7 – Arrival in Ephesus (Kuşadası)
🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Entering the Home of the Heart” Arrive in Kuşadası and travel to the hillside near Ephesus. Stand before the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi).
Pray for the grace to dwell with God—not just visit Him.
Stay: Cella Boutique Hotel or a simple guesthouse near the ruins
Feb 8 – House of Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)
🕍 Symbolic Act: “Mother, Behold Your Son” Attend Mass at the House of Mary. Light a candle and place a written intention in the prayer wall. Ask Mary to teach you how to live the Gospel quietly and faithfully.
Feb 9 – Ancient Ephesus & the Early Church
🏛️ Symbolic Act: “Walking the First Streets of Faith” Explore the ruins of Ephesus:
Library of Celsus
Marble Road
Terrace Houses
The Great Theatre where Paul preached Reflect on how the Gospel took root in real streets, real homes, real lives.
Feb 10 – Basilica of St. John
🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Beloved Disciple, Teach Me Love” Visit the basilica built over St. John’s tomb. Pray for the grace to love Christ with the same intimacy John had.
Feb 11 – Cave of the Seven Sleepers
🌿 Symbolic Act: “Rest in God’s Time” Visit the legendary cave where early Christians sought refuge. Reflect on the mystery of God’s timing—slow, patient, and faithful.
Feb 12 – Coastal Silence & Marian Reflection
🕊️ Symbolic Act: “Mother of the Way” Walk the quiet coastline near Kuşadası.
Pray the Rosary slowly, letting each mystery become a step. Ask Mary to shape your interior life with her steadiness.
Feb 13 – Departure & Sending Forth
🕍 Symbolic Act: “Behold, Your Mother” Before leaving, return once more to the House of Mary. Whisper a simple prayer: “Mother, stay with me.”
💶 Cost Snapshot (Per Person)
Lodging (6 nights): $300–$450
Meals: $150–$210
Transport (local taxis, shuttles): $60–$120
Entrance Fees: $30–$50
Total: $540–$830
February 7 First Saturday
Marriage Week-Ballet
Exodus, Chapter 34, Verse 30
When Aaron, then, and the other
Israelites saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become,
they were AFRAID to come near him.
Moses after experiencing the presence of God while receiving
the 10 commandments came down from the mountain and he glowed with God’s glory.
We too can glow with the glory of God by being in His presence.
Beyond the laws of radiant
health are some broader principles that include the whole person. Human beings
are made up of more than just a body. The World Health Organization defines
health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This definition is
incomplete as it leaves out one significant aspect of life and health—the
spiritual. This understanding is illustrated clearly in Luke 2:52 which tells
us that, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and
man." A rough paraphrase would state that Jesus grew mentally, physically,
spiritually and socially.
Health for the
whole person
We cannot be totally well
unless every part of us is healthy. In fact the mental, social, and spiritual
factors may be even more involved in causing or fighting many diseases than are
the physical factors. Many of the laws that we listed as governing physical
health apply equally well to the other facets of life.
1. Nutrition-It is
necessary to eat to live, not only physically, but also in the other three
dimensions.
Mentally:
If new information and ideas are not fed into the mind on a regular basis the
intellect ceases to grow and develop, becoming weak and stunted. Don't dwell on
the trivial, degrading, or useless; these things can be considered mental junk
food. I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble ... my loving God. PSALM
59:16
Socially:
If love, respect, and companionship are not a regular part of your life, your
social capabilities become weak and dwarfed.
Spiritually:
Christians nourish themselves spiritually through Bible study, prayer,
fellowship, and service to others.
2. Exercise—Activity is a
law of life that is often phrased this way, "Use it or lose it."
Mentally:
Intellect, memory, wisdom, attitude, and willpower need to be exercised.
Socially:
Love, tact, the social graces, communication, and core values grow when they
are practiced.
Spiritually:
The exercise of faith, prayer, love, and perseverance are essential for
spiritual strength and growth.
3. Rest—We need to relax
and regenerate after activity.
Mentally:
The mind needs to rest after periods of intense mental activity in order to
recuperate. In addition, a good night's sleep gives the mind a chance to
reorganize and start afresh.
Socially:
A time away in privacy and solitude is necessary after periods of heavy social
interaction.
Spiritually:
After intense periods of ministry Christ's servants need to "Come apart
and rest awhile" by spending time with Him. Time with Christ is spiritual
rejuvenation. (See Mark 6:30,31).
4. Temperance—The basic
definition of this law of life and health is to avoid that which is harmful and
practice moderation in that which is healthful.
First, do no harm.
Mentally:
Don't do anything that would destroy or pollute your mental faculties.
Socially:
Don't acquire harmful habits or friends, or engage in socially destructive
behaviors like gossip, criticism, breaking civil laws, or engaging in risky,
degrading, sexual behaviors.
Spiritually:
Don't destroy your spiritual sensibilities by dwelling on spiritually
destructive emotions such as hatred, anger, or revenge. Avoid putting yourself
under Satan's power through occult practices or the rejection of the Spirit of
God.
Second, practice
moderation and balance in things that are good. This involves more than just a
balance between such things as activity and rest, logic and emotion, solitude
and the multitude. It also consists of keeping a healthy balance between the
four dimensions (mentally, physically spiritually and socially). When one of
these areas of life becomes all encompassing or is neglected, the result is an
unbalanced and unhealthy individual.
Finally, part of being in
balance is knowing what is most valuable and important. There will be times
when you will have to choose between what is best for one element at the
expense of the others. A young person might have to choose between a career in sports
or science. You might have time to get either physical exercise or spiritual
nourishment but not both. You make choices based on what you value most. Why
not make your spiritual dimension the top priority, and base each decision on
how it will affect your spiritual life and health? It would be a terrible waste
to make physical health your highest priority only to miss out completely on
eternal life and the associated radiant health Christ promises. "But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33).
5. Water, fresh air, and
sunshine—These are all useful for cleanliness, which is a principle that
applies equally to all segments of life.
Spiritually:
We need to open our hearts daily to the sunshine of God's love, let the pure
air of the Spirit flow into our lives, and be washed in the cleansing blood of
Jesus, accepting His forgiveness.
Mentally:
Likewise, when the mind is polluted and degraded there is help in the
principle, "By beholding we become changed?" But ultimately, only by
accepting Christ's offer to create in us a new life can the mind be completely
cleansed.
Socially:
As Christ changes the life and the person sincerely repents, confesses,
apologizes, and makes amends, others will realize that this is a new and clean
person.
Christ knows and loves
each of us as if there was no one else. He longs for us to accept His offer of
salvation. He desires to cleanse us, and make us whole, so that we might
achieve the happiness and abundant life for which we were created.
The Inseparable
Four Dimensions
The four dimensions of
life are inseparable and so interrelated that what affects one part of us
affects every other part as well.
Physically:
Poor physical health can cloud the mind, depress the attitudes, and make it
more difficult to keep spiritually healthy. Conversely, good health can clear
the mind and improve the mental outlook, promoting enriched spiritual strength
and health.
Mentally:
Willpower, attitude, and intellect have a decided influence on how we live our
lives and apply or reject the various laws of health.
Socially:
Both the attitudes that permeate our homes, and the relationships we form, have
the power to affect our health
Spiritually:
The exercise of faith, love, hope, prayer, perseverance, and dedication to God
will bring peace of mind, character growth, and increased physical health.
The study and practice of
these extended health principles will make a difference in the usefulness and
quality of life. Each of these laws with which we cooperate brings a benefit,
but when we cooperate with all of them the rewards are multiplied!
Copilot’s Take
Confronting evil is not primarily a matter of
force but of formation, and the radiant person—integrated in mind, body,
spirit, and relationships—meets darkness the way Moses met the Israelites: not
with argument, but with a presence shaped by God. Evil feeds on fragmentation,
on the exhausted body, the unfed mind, the isolated heart, and the neglected
soul, but it loses its footing when a person is whole and ordered under grace.
Holiness exposes what is false simply by being itself. This is why the saints, like
disciplined dancers, moved with a strength that appeared effortless: their
balance came from interior alignment, their beauty from obedience, their power
from the One who dwelt within them. In marriage, in community, and in the quiet
routines of daily life, the radiant person confronts evil not by matching its
aggression but by carrying a light it cannot imitate. To live mentally
nourished, physically stewarded, socially connected, and spiritually anchored
is to become the kind of person whose very presence unsettles darkness.
Radiance is not a performance; it is the natural glow of a life ordered toward
God, and it remains the most enduring way to confront the shadows of the world.
Simon
Peter and the other fishermen are astonished at the catch that reveals Jesus as
Lord. Jesus’ response to Simon Peter is reassuring: “Do not be afraid; from now
on you will be catching men”. Once again, the fisherman of Galilee places his
trust in the words of Jesus and leaves everything to follow Him. James and John
also do the same; from now on, they will be ‘fishers of men’. Jesus invites
them to share in His mission, the mission of the Church. As baptized, we all partake
in the mission of Jesus Christ, priest, prophet, and king. As married men and
women, the calling is lived out in a concrete home and family. How does your
life as a couple, as parents, as godparents, or in another way, touch the lives
of your family? How are you witnesses and bearers of the Gospel?
Marriage
is a lifelong partnership of the whole of life, of mutual and exclusive
fidelity, established by mutual consent between a man and a woman, and ordered
towards the good of the spouses and the procreation of offspring. As the Second
Vatican Council reminds us, marriage is not a purely human institution: the
intimate partnership of life and the love which constitutes the married state
has been established by the creator and endowed by him with its own proper
laws. . .. For God himself is the author of marriage. Moreover, God has endowed
marriage with certain essential attributes, without which marriage cannot exist
as he intends.
The
Church has taught through the ages that marriage is an exclusive relationship
between one man and one woman. This union, once validly entered and
consummated, gives rise to a bond that cannot be dissolved by the will of the
spouses. Marriage thus created is a faithful, privileged sphere of intimacy
between the spouses that lasts until death.
Marriage
is not merely a private institution, however. It is the foundation for the
family, where children learn the values and virtues that will make good
Christians as well as good citizens. The importance of marriage for children
and for the upbringing of the next generation highlights the importance of
marriage for all society.
Conjugal
love, the love proper to marriage, is present in the commitment to the complete
and total gift of self between husband and wife. Conjugal love establishes a
unique communion of persons through the relationship of mutual self-giving and
receiving between husband and wife, a relationship by which ―a man leaves his
father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body
[flesh]‖(Gn 2:24).The Second Vatican Council speaks about conjugal love in
words of great beauty: The Lord, wishing to bestow special gifts of grace and
divine love on married love, has restored, perfected, and elevated it. A love
like that, bringing together the human and the divine, leads the partners to a
free and mutual self-giving, experienced in tenderness and action, and
permeating their entire lives; this love is actually developed and increased by
its generous exercise in conjugal love one can see something of how Christ
loves his Church (Eph 5:25).
Resources
·On marriages in crisis –For Your Marriage list
of ministries that help married couples in difficulty or crisis.
·On healthy sexuality within marriage –Paul VI,
Encyclical Letter Humanae Vitae,1968.
·On divorce –USCCB, Divorce and the Church’s
Healing Ministry, 2010.
·On lust and pornography –USCCB: Create in Me a
Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography, 2015 and Clean Heart series of
pamphlets, 2016.
·USCCB, Pastoral Letter Marriage: Love and Life
in the Divine Plan, 2009.
·USCCB, For Your Marriage website:
foryourmarriage.org.
·USCCB, Por Tu Matrimonio website:
portumatrimonio.org.
Just like that sweet
little vegetable patch in your backyard, the more you nurture and nourish your
relationship the happier you’ll both be. And what does that look like? Quality
nourishment requires pausing, listening, and paying attention to your partner.
It requires that you learn to love people in ways that are meaningful to them
and listen when they tell you what their needs are.
Here are 10 ways you can
nudge your relationship into a happier, healthier, more fulfilling version of
itself.
1.Stop
pretending to be someone you’re not and just be yourself instead.
When we are who we
really truly are – weird hobbies and all – magic happens. Being true to
ourselves allows us to navigate life and relationships free of hang-ups,
emotional baggage, or expectations. In the beginning stages of relationships,
many of us focus on showcasing our best selves in an attempt to garner love and
affection. We become ridiculously, painfully focused on making a good
impression. But being who you really are and being who you think someone wants
you to be – it’s hard to do those two things simultaneously. Take a deep
breath, release those shoulders, and stop pretending and polishing yourself.
Just be right here, who you are, today.
2.Smile at
your loved one
To the best of your
ability, greet your partner with a smile when you see each other for the first
time that day. Imagine how good that would feel – after a tough day at work and
sitting in traffic, you walk through the door and are greeted with a smile and
a kiss from the person you love most. Wouldn’t that be an amazing way to start
your evening? This is not to say you’re never allowed to share the low points
of your day, but maybe save them for dinner – rather than the first five
minutes that you see your sweetie. Other great times to smile at your partner:
across a crowded party, before you part ways for the day, when you know they
need encouragement.
3.Realize
things change.
We’re living, breathing
organisms – subject to the changing tides of emotion and circumstance. It can
be emotionally crippling to get too attached to the “status quo” – not just in
your romantic relationships but in life. Change is inevitable. Next week your
partner might wake up and want to change careers, move to the east coast, or
have kids (like, soon). Can you allow space for that? Could you create a new
life with him while he pursued something new? And, of course, things will
change for you – your passions, your career, your family, your health. When
your partner tells you that they’ve got some big changes in mind – a new
workout plan, a move to the country, no more dairy – do your best to listen
with an open mind and heart.
4.Work out
together.
Exercise gives you
energy and is a wonderful way to show your partner that you’re
interested in your health and you want to stay healthy for them. Trying new
workouts together also helps you bond! Take a couple’s yoga class, a hip-hop
dance class, or try rock climbing. Even if you’re terrible, later you’ll be
able to laugh together about his terrible downward dog or your total failure to
pop ‘n lock.
5.If you
want quality time with your significant other, plan it.
You’ve heard this advice
before and that’s because it works! Make time for thrilling exciting things –
not just birthdays and anniversaries. As your weekend winds down, take a few
minutes to schedule at least one fun date each week – whether that’s trying a
new restaurant, going for a hike, or catching a movie at the second-run
theater. Fun things happen when you make time and space for them.
6.Express
your needs.
Some people like to text
every day. Some people need a lot of alone time. Some people want their partner
to plan exciting dates. All of these needs are equally legitimate. But
your partner will never know what your needs are if you don’t tell them. You
don’t need to open a first date with a checklist, but once things are clicking
along, it’s okay to say, “I want you to feel loved and appreciated. How can I
do that?” and when you’ve heard their suggestions, you can share yours. When
they do what you asked? Offer lots and lots of acknowledgement and
appreciation.
7.Give
without any expectations.
I know it’s incredibly
tempting (so tempting!) to keep a mental list of all the nice things you’ve
done for your sweetie.
·Picked up a new yoga mat because I saw hers
was deteriorating.
·Made a reservation for dinner Friday.
·Bought his mom’s birthday present.
This mentality will only
end in tears and resentment. We can nourish our relationships by removing the
expectation that they to do the same things that we have done for them. Let
your partner give to you because they want to, not because they feel as though
they owe you.
8.Don’t
stop caring about how you look!
Male or female, we’ve all
done this, right? Constantly hanging out in our old gym clothes and dirty hair,
eating pizza for dinner three times a week. You want to find your partner
attractive and – not surprisingly – they want to find you attractive.
Help them do that by keeping up with your workouts and saving sweatpants for
alone time.
9.Cultivate
intimacy and independence.
It might sound
counterintuitive, but you can connect while also retaining autonomy.
Don’t stop doing the things that filled you up now that you’ve found a partner.
Keep attending those pottery classes, keep working on your novel – and keep
telling your partner all about it and why you love it. Just as important? Give
them the space to pursue a few passions without you. You’ll both be that much
more excited to come home and tell each other about your adventures.
10.Inspire your partner by loving yourself fiercely.
The more you love
yourself; the more others will follow your lead. We’ve all witnessed it: the
confident woman who maintains healthy boundaries always seems to attract
amazing partners. Do your best to identify your needs and meet those needs
yourself. Need creative inspiration? Rather than trying to date an artist or
force your accountant boyfriend to take drawing classes, buy a DSLR and get to
shooting. Crave a more active social life? Don’t hassle your introverted
girlfriend into house parties and nights out. Call up your most outgoing
friends and schedule a night out, complete with cute shoes and cocktails. We
teach people how to treat us and when you nourish yourself with love and
respect, the world – and your partner – take notice.
When
life takes me on a new journey, I simply remember the smile my first ballet
recital put on my face, and I move forward.
– Andrea Thompson
There’s
something magical about going to ballet. The music, the outfits, the utter
passion of the dance as the ballet artists lose themselves to the performance,
all of it comes together to create a beautiful, otherworldly experience for
those in attendance. There is an almost magical power in their graceful
movements across the stage, like flower petals on a stiffening breeze. Ballet
Day encourages you to get out and see the ballet again, or for the first time
if you haven’t already. Ballet found its origins during the Renaissance
throughout Italy and France, though it had yet to evolve into the form we know
it today. There were no tutus, no ballet slippers, and the iconic pointe work
of ballet were all things to come in the future. It found roots in court
dances, and thus incorporated the proper dance dress of women at the time,
formal gowns that descended to the ankle. Unlike modern performances, the
audience would join the dance as it came to a close. Later, it would come to
take influences from the French ballet de cour, a form of performance which
were performed strictly by the nobility, and would blend dance with speech,
music, verse, song, and a great amount of pageantry. Ballet was beginning to
take the shape we know of today, and it was here that it developed into a true
art form. Since then, it has spread throughout the world, from Russia to
Germany, and is loved everywhere for its intrinsic beauty. Since then, it has
been driven to new artistic heights and embraced multiple cultures, and Ballet
Day encourages you to get out and experience its beauty for yourself.
How to celebrate Ballet Day
Go to the ballet! That’s the first and best way. World Ballet Day is a yearly organized event that
celebrates the beauty of ballet and what it’s become in the world today. Events
are held all over the world, and videos are taken, so don’t think you have to
miss out on this beautiful expression of the arts simply because you aren’t
able to get out to see them. Ballet will come home to you! So, get out there
and get yourself some culture!
Bible in a Year Day 220
Prophesy
Fullfilled
Fr. Mike points out that the prophecy from Isaiah 61 is fulfilled by Jesus (as
described in Luke 4). In Ezekiel, Fr. Mike draws our attention to the
importance of the Sabbath as the sign of the covenant with God. The readings
are Isaiah 61-62, Ezekiel 20, and Proverbs 13:13-16.
Starring: Edmund Lowe, Janis Carter, Robert B. Williams Director: William Berke (with uncredited work by Budd Boetticher) Genre: Mystery / Comedy Runtime: ~65 minutes
Plot Summary
William Warner (Edmund Lowe) is a sharp defense attorney with an unusual hobby: he collects locks and can open almost any of them. This eccentric skill becomes the hinge of the story. When a mysterious man arrives with a locked chest containing a secret chemical formula, Warner is unwittingly drawn into a Nazi spy ring’s scheme. His wife Myra (Janis Carter), already exasperated by his obsession with locks, becomes entangled in the escalating danger.
The film blends light comedy with wartime intrigue—very much a “programmer” picture of the era: brisk, unpretentious, and built around a single clever gimmick.
Cast
Edmund Lowe — William Warner
Janis Carter — Myra Warner
Robert B. Williams — Malloy
Richard Hale — John Heyser
Stanley Clements, Tom Kennedy, and others in supporting roles
Production Notes
Originally directed by William Berke, but Budd Boetticher stepped in uncredited after Berke was removed.
Boetticher later recalled it as a quick, short‑schedule assignment—typical of Columbia’s B‑unit output during the war years.
Catholic & Moral Themes
Even though this is a light mystery-comedy, it still offers material for your devotional and moral‑reading lens:
1. The Danger of Harmless Obsessions
Warner’s lock‑picking hobby seems trivial, even charming—but it blinds him to real danger. Moral angle: Small habits, when unexamined, can become vulnerabilities. This aligns with the Ignatian call to daily examen and custody of the senses.
2. Marriage, Patience, and Mutual Correction
Myra’s frustration with her husband’s compulsions reflects the tension between personal quirks and marital unity. Moral angle: Charity in marriage includes honest correction, perseverance, and the willingness to sacrifice personal preferences for the good of the other.
3. Truth vs. Deception in Wartime
The Nazi spy subplot—though played lightly—still underscores the moral clarity of resisting evil and protecting the innocent. Moral angle: Even in comedic settings, the film affirms the duty to stand against falsehood and manipulation.
Hospitality Pairing (Era‑Appropriate)
For your classic‑film evenings:
Cocktail: The 1940s “Bronx”
A popular pre‑war and wartime drink—balanced, citrusy, and elegant.
Gin
Sweet vermouth
Dry vermouth
Orange juice
Shake and serve up. Light, brisk, and fitting for a mystery-comedy with urban flair.
Snack Pairing: Buttered Popcorn + Spiced Nuts
Reflects the B‑movie, second‑feature spirit—simple, unfussy, and comforting.
If You Want a Thematic Devotional Tie‑In
A short reflection could center on:
“Guard the door of my heart, Lord, that no small habit becomes an entry point for the enemy.”
This pairs beautifully with Warner’s lock‑picking motif and the spiritual discipline of vigilance.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:6-7)
·Spirit Hour: Hard Apple Cider in honor of St. Dorothy
oWake up and start your day on a positive note by paying someone a heartfelt compliment. Spread some joy and kindness, brightening not only their day but yours as well. Grab some frozen yogurt for breakfast or as a sweet treat later in the day. Celebrate diversity and try your hand at eating with chopsticks at lunch. Embrace the art of self-defense and fitness with some Muay Thai moves at home or a nearby gym. Stay optimistic in all you do and share your positive outlook with others. Take the time to talk and connect with loved ones or reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Dive into the culture of the Sami people by learning about their traditions and values. Remember the legacy of Ronald Reagan and reflect on leadership and decision-making. Don’t forget to pick up a little something for your valentine or plan a special surprise for them. Learn about the history of lame duck sessions in politics and what it means for decision-making. Wrap up your day by commemorating Waitangi Day and reflecting on the importance of treaties and relationships.
❄️ Finland vs Micronesia — Cathedrals of Silence Chapels of Survival
Finland represents wealth, stability, and Catholic scarcity amid Lutheran heritage; Micronesia embodies poverty, fragility, and missionary endurance in scattered islands. Together, they extend NIC’s Corner into the paradox of faith lived in secular silence and island survival.
🇫🇮 Finland — Wealthy, Secular, and Catholic Minority
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$64,000 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Finland Ranks High
·Nordic Model: Strong welfare state, universal healthcare, and education.
·Stability: Democratic institutions, low corruption, and high trust.
·Innovation: Technology, forestry, and clean energy drive exports.
·Cultural Prestige: Literature, music, and design.
·Infrastructure: High living standards, social equality, and global rankings in happiness.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
·Membership: ~16,000 Catholics (<0.3% of population).
·Jurisdiction: Diocese of Helsinki (single diocese for entire country).
·Practice: Masses in Finnish, Swedish, English, and immigrant languages.
·Liturgical Heritage: Migrant-driven parishes, Marian devotion, ecumenical dialogue.
·Civic Role: Catholicism is visible mainly through schools and immigrant communities.
⚠️ Challenges
·Secularization: Majority Lutheran heritage now largely non-practicing.
·Minority Status: Catholicism remains marginal.
·Vocational Fragility: Few native vocations; clergy often foreign-born.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue Finland is a journey of cathedrals in silence—where the Eucharist is offered in small chapels, and Catholicism survives as a minority amid secular calm.
🇫🇲 Micronesia — Poor, Fragile, and Missionary Catholic
GDP per capita (PPP): ~$4,000 USD (2024)
🧮 Why Micronesia Ranks Low
·Economic Fragility: Reliant on U.S. aid, subsistence farming, and fishing.
·Infrastructure Gaps: Limited healthcare, education, and transport across scattered islands.
·Vulnerability: Climate change and rising seas threaten livelihoods.
·Migration: Many leave for Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland.
·Political Dependence: Compact of Free Association with the U.S. sustains finances.
✝️ Catholic Landscape
·Membership: ~100,000 Catholics (~65–70% of population).
·Dioceses: Archdiocese of Agaña (Guam) oversees Micronesia; local parishes across islands.
·Missionary Legacy: Jesuits and sisters built schools, clinics, and parishes.
·Liturgical Life: Mass in English and local languages; strong Marian devotion.
·Community Role: Catholicism anchors education, healthcare, and civic life.
⚠️ Challenges
·Poverty: Limits catechesis and parish resources.
·Vocational Strain: Few priests for scattered islands.
·Migration: Youth exodus weakens parish vitality.
·Climate Threat: Rising seas endanger communities and churches.
🌿 Pilgrimage Cue Micronesia is a journey of chapels in survival—where the Eucharist is celebrated in island parishes, and Catholicism endures through missionary zeal, solidarity, and hope against hardship.
🕊️ Editorial Reflection
Finland and Micronesia reveal Catholicism’s paradox: one rich in wealth but poor in presence, the other poor in resources but rich in missionary witness. In Finland, Catholicism is a cathedral of silence. In Micronesia, it is a chapel of survival.
The Rich vs Poor Tour reminds us that the Gospel is not bound by prosperity or poverty—it flourishes in Helsinki’s minority chapels and Micronesia’s island parishes, in secular calm and in missionary endurance.
Where does the Church feel more alive—in the silence of Nordic heritage or the survival of Pacific islands?
February 6 First Friday
St. Paul Miki and Companions Martyrs
Mark, Chapter
6, Verse 20
HerodFEAREDJohn, knowing him to be a
righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was
very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.
Christ
asks us to not be afraid; remember that those who are controlled by the devil
are always deathly afraid. Therefore, trust in Him and remember that according
to theTalmud God says to us: With thy very
wounds I will heal thee. If you are unhappy it is because of sin, therefore
seek the healing that Christ gives in the sacrament of confession and receive
joyfully the Holy Eucharist.
Copilot:
Evil is
rarely confronted in grand gestures; it is usually met in the quiet moment when
a soul chooses truth over fear. Herod heard the voice of holiness and trembled,
yet he would not change. The martyrs heard the same call and followed it all
the way to the Cross. Scripture teaches that those bound by sin are always
afraid, while those anchored in Christ stand firm even when the world rages. To
confront evil, then, is not to match its violence but to refuse its terms—to
speak truth when silence would be safer, to repent when pride would rather
hide, to receive the sacraments that heal the very wounds sin tried to exploit.
Christ does not ask us to be fearless; He asks us to let His presence reorder
our fear, so that reverence for God drives out dread of anything else. In this
way, confronting evil becomes an act of fidelity, a quiet but unbreakable
allegiance to the One who heals, strengthens, and saves.
Learn
about devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the graces that come from
observing First Fridays.
It is no wonder,
therefore, that our predecessors have constantly defended this most approved
form of devotion — the pious devotion of the faithful toward the Most Sacred
Heart of Jesus [and] the custom of receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday
of every month at the desire of Christ Jesus, a custom which now prevails
everywhere.—Pope
Pius XI Miserentissimus
Redemptor
What’s so special about First Fridays?
Our
parents grew up going to church every First Friday of the month and taking part
in Sacred Heart devotions, but in recent decades the pious practice has fallen
out of practice and is dismissed by some as an “old-fashioned” anachronism. A main reason for the
decline in interest in this devotion is probably rooted in simple ignorance:
people don’t know
what First Fridays all are about; families and parishes may not have adequately
passed down their importance to the next generation. Here are five things
to know.
How did the First Friday Devotion begin?
While
some saints referenced the Heart of Jesus in their writings even centuries
earlier, in 1673, a French Visitandine (Visitation) nun named Margaret
Mary Alacoque had visions of Jesus, wherein he asked the Church to honor His
Most Sacred Heart. In particular, Jesus asked the faithful to “receive Communion on the First
Fridays, for nine consecutive months.”
The request was connected to a specific promise made to all who venerated and
promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart. After Margaret Mary’s death, the First Friday practice
steadily spread in the Church —endorsed by popes and promoted by
saints — but
it greatly increased in popularity when Margaret Mary was canonized a saint in
1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
Why nine consecutive months?
The
number nine is traditionally associated with a novena and finds its origin in
the nine days that the apostles spent in prayer before Pentecost. A novena
provides an extended amount of time for preparation and interior renewal.
What am I supposed to do on First Fridays?
Go
to Mass and receive Holy Communion with the intention of honoring Christ’s Sacred Heart. If you are not in a
state of grace, and thus unable to receive, you will also need to go to
confession.
What are the “promises” connected to this devotion?
Jesus
said to St. Margaret Mary, “In
the excess of the mercy of my heart, I promise you that my all-powerful love
will grant to all those who will receive communion on the First Fridays, for
nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my
displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my heart will be their
secure refuge in that last hour.”
This means that if a person faithfully receives communion for nine consecutive
months on First Fridays, Jesus will grant that person extra graces at the time
of their death, making it possible to repent of their sins and receive the last
rites (if needed).
This promise is the last
of 12 promises connected to the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, particularly
attached to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in one’s home:
(1)
I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
(2)
I will establish peace in their homes.
(3)
I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
(4)
I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
(5)
I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
(6)
Sinners will find in my heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
(7)
Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
(8)
Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
(9)
I will bless every place in which an image of my heart is exposed and honored.
10)
I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
(11)
Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my
Heart.
(12)
I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will
grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine
consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my
disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine heart shall be
their safe refuge in this last moment.
Are the First Fridays a “ticket” to heaven?
It
is not as simple as going to Mass for nine months and then clocking out, never
going to Mass again and leading a sinful life! The entire purpose of this
devotion is to draw a person closer to the heart of Christ. If a person
fulfills these obligations with sincere faith, it is natural for he or
she to be closer to God and better prepared for death. The moment that
this devotion is observed in a superstitious manner, neglecting the need to
live a virtuous life, all bets are off and Jesus’ promise is null and void. Jesus wants us to rest on
his heart, like St. John, and the First Friday devotion is an opportunity for
us to encounter him more than just on Sundays and to deepen our love of him. Coming
to know, love and trust that we may take rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and
place our anxieties within, is what the First Fridays are all about.
St. Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, and his
twenty-five companions (d. 1597), who were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. They
were the first martyrs of East Asia to be canonized. They were killed
simultaneously by being raised on crosses and then stabbed with spears. Their
executioners were astounded upon seeing their joy at being associated to the
Passion of Christ.
Bible in a Year Day 219
Separation
from God
Fr. Mike points out that separation from God is not due to a lack of power or
love on God's part, but is a consequence of our willful refusal to follow Him.
He also highlights that despite our unfaithfulness, God always has a plan for
reconciliation. The readings are Isaiah 59-60, Ezekiel 19, and Proverbs
13:9-12.
🥊Fitness
Friday-Recognizing
that God the Father created man on Friday the 6th day I propose in
this blog to have an entry that shares on how to recreate and renew yourself in
strength, mind, soul and heart.
Fitness Friday 2: Muay Thai and the
Universal Man Plan — Training the Mind, the Body, and the Warrior Within
Muay Thai, the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is more
than a striking system. It is a disciplined, whole‑person practice that aligns
seamlessly with the Universal Man Plan: Phase 1 – The St. Ignatius, where
physical training, mental clarity, and spiritual intention form a single
integrated path.
In Muay Thai, as in Ignatian formation, the
goal is not domination but discernment — learning to move through the world
with awareness, restraint, and purpose. Fitness Friday becomes a weekly
checkpoint in that journey.
🧠
Mind — Awareness, Discernment, and Emotional Control
The Universal Man Plan begins with attention:
noticing what is happening inside and around you. Muay Thai trains this with
precision.
Situational Awareness
Every drill teaches you to read distance,
timing, and intention. You learn to stay present, track movement, and respond
with clarity rather than panic. This is the Ignatian discipline of agere
contra — acting against fear, distraction, and impulsivity.
Stress Regulation
Rounds elevate your heart rate and
adrenaline, but breath control brings everything back into balance. You
practice staying calm under pressure, the same interior stillness cultivated in
the Daily Examen.
Grounded Confidence
This isn’t bravado. It’s the quiet assurance
that you can handle yourself, protect others, and remain centered when life
becomes chaotic. It is the confidence of a man who knows his mission and his
limits.
💪
Body — Strength, Conditioning, and Stewardship
Phase 1 of the Universal Man Plan emphasizes embodied
stewardship: caring for the body as a tool for service, not vanity. Muay Thai
fits this perfectly.
Full‑Body Conditioning
Punches, kicks, knees, and elbows engage the
entire body. Expect stronger hips, a more resilient core, and improved balance
— the physical foundation for pilgrimage, work, and daily responsibility.
Metabolic Power
Training blends explosive movements with
endurance work, boosting metabolism and supporting long‑term cardiovascular
health. This is mitochondria‑friendly, anti‑inflammatory, and longevity‑oriented.
Movement for Life
Rotational patterns, footwork, and controlled
impact help maintain bone density, joint health, and reaction time — the
pillars of aging like a warrior rather than a spectator.
🧘
Spirit — Ritual, Purpose, and the Warrior’s Calm
The Universal Man Plan is anchored in
spiritual intention. Muay Thai carries a similar backbone.
Ritual Respect
The traditional Wai Kru honors
teachers, lineage, and purpose. It mirrors the Ignatian practice of beginning
every task with a clear intention:
Why am I training today? What am I preparing for?
The Warrior’s Calm
Every strike is paired with breath. Every
round is a meditation on control, restraint, and courage. This is the same
interior stillness cultivated on pilgrimage, in prayer, and in the quiet
moments of reflection.
Integration With the Universal Man Plan
Muay Thai becomes a weekly reminder that
fitness is not merely physical — it is mental clarity, emotional steadiness,
and spiritual intention. It is the training of a man who wants to be fully
alive, fully present, and fully responsible for the world entrusted to him.
🔗
Further Reading & Exploration
Fitness
& Self‑Defense Benefits
Benefits
of Muay Thai: Fitness, Self‑Defense, and Mental Toughness
(tagmuaythai.com in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
Mind–Body
Combat Psychology
How
Good Is Muay Thai for Self‑Defense?
(crateclub.com in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
Beginner
Training Tips
Tips
for Beginner Muay Thai Fighters
(fightersedgegym.com in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
History
& Cultural Roots
History
of Muaythai – From Warriors to World Champions
(ifmamuaythai.org in Bing) (bing.com
in Bing)
After‑Post:
For anyone wondering — Muay Thai
has no spiritual system attached, so Catholics can train freely. It’s
discipline and technique, not worship. The only traditional ritual is cultural,
not religious.
[2]Sheraton, Mimi. 1,000 Foods
To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover's Life List (p. 892). Workman Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
🎬 The Case Against Mrs. Ames (1936)
Madeleine Carroll • George Brent • Beulah Bondi Drama / Mystery — Paramount Pictures
🌿 Overview
Hope Ames, a San Francisco socialite, is acquitted of murdering her husband — but acquittal does not restore her reputation. Her powerful mother‑in‑law launches a custody battle for Hope’s young son, and the district attorney who once tried to convict her becomes the unlikely ally who helps her uncover the truth. The film blends courtroom tension with intimate emotional drama, exploring reputation, motherhood, and the long road from suspicion to vindication.
🧭 Themes
Justice vs. Reputation — Acquittal is not the same as restoration.
Motherhood Under Siege — Hope’s fight for her son is the film’s emotional core.
Redemption Through Truth — Matt Logan must confront his own errors.
Power and Control — Mrs. Ames embodies cold, aristocratic certainty.
✝️ Spiritual Reflection
This film becomes a meditation on the Eighth Commandment — the wound inflicted when a person is judged without charity. Hope’s suffering reveals how suspicion can imprison a soul long after the courtroom doors close. Matt Logan’s transformation shows the humility required to admit error and pursue truth even when it undermines one’s pride. Mrs. Ames reminds us that power without compassion becomes cruelty.
Christian takeaway:
Justice without mercy becomes cruelty; mercy without truth becomes sentimentality. The Christian path requires both.
🍸 Signature Cocktail — The Acquittal
A 1930s‑style drink that looks delicate but carries quiet strength — just like Hope Ames.
Ingredients
2 oz gin
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.5 oz dry vermouth
0.25 oz lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
Lemon twist
Method
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, finish with a lemon twist.
Symbolism
Gin/vermouth — the sharpness of the courtroom
Cointreau — Hope’s grace
Lemon — the sting of suspicion
Bitters — the cold resolve of Mrs. Ames
🍽️ Supper Pairing — San Francisco Courtroom Supper
Main Course
Chicken à la King on Toast Points
Elegant, comforting, and era‑appropriate — the kind of supper Hope might have served before her world unraveled.
Side
Buttered Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Bright, refined, and quietly uplifting.
Bread
Sourdough Rolls
A nod to San Francisco’s culinary heritage.
Dessert
Coffee Custard Cups
Simple, soothing, and perfect with a drizzle of your coffee moonshine.
🏡 Hospitality Meditation
Serve a meal that restores dignity. Offer a drink that steadies the heart. In a world quick to judge, hospitality becomes a quiet act of justice — a way of saying: “You are seen. You are welcome. You are more than the worst thing said about you.”
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